Holding device

ABSTRACT

A holding device that engages a surface of a table or the like for storing and securing fashion accessories includes a base and an anti-slip part attached to the base, which is configured for engaging the surface of the table. The holding device further includes an arm rotatable relative to the base and having a hook-shaped portion for securing the fashion accessory under the table in an unobtrusive location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to portable holding devices, andmore specifically to such devices for securing fashion accessories.

As is widely known, the use of fashion accessories while travelingoutside a residence is common. For example, one common fashion accessorycommonly carried by people outside the residence is a purse. However, itis a known problem, particularly for individuals who travel tonon-residential places to store their purses in a safe and efficientmanner. That is, frequently a secure and appropriate location to hang apurse does not exist. Rather, in restaurants and other locations pursesare normally hung from the chair used by an individual or placed on thetable or counter at which the individual is seated. Such placement,however, is often inconvenient, for example at family gatherings such asweddings, because there is an absence of space on the table. Positioningfashion accessories in this manner lacks elegance, while reducing thetable's functionality. Moreover, by placing fashion accessories on thetable they become exposed to the danger of having a drink or foodspilled on them, thus damaging the purse and/or its contents.

Accordingly, there is a need for a holding device for fashionaccessories or the like, for use in non-residential locations includingrestaurants that improves secure and non-invasive storage of suchaccessories in comparison to other accessory storage methods currentlyin use.

More specifically, there is a need for an improved holding device for afashion accessory or the like that is practical and provides manyadvantages over known storage devices and methods, both in use as wellas during manufacturing of the device. In particular, a device is neededthat is efficient, safe and economical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It was with the above-mentioned deficiencies in mind that the presentholding device for fashion accessories or the like was conceived.Advantageously, the present device has simplified mechanical andfunctional qualities to reduce manufacturing costs. In one embodiment,the present holding device is a practical and innovative supportstructure with many esthetic and functional qualities. In fact, thepresent holding device has a variety of locations at which it can beused including bars, restaurants, work and leisure environments. Thepresent holding device has a body equipped with a base on a projectionin the shape of a hook. This projection is articulated in relation tothe base, and preferably is sized to facilitate transportation within afashion accessory such as a purse.

More specifically, the holding device, which engages a surface of atable or the like for securing fashion accessories, includes a base andan anti-slip part attached to the base. The anti-slip part is configuredfor engaging the surface of the table. In addition, the holding deviceincludes an arm rotatable with respect to said base and having ahook-shaped portion for securing the fashion accessory in a safe andsecure location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a holding device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 showing ananti-slip part attached to the base;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with the armrotated;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with a lowerportion of the arm rotated;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7 with the lowerportion of the arm rotated to another position;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the holding device of FIG. 1attached to a table; and

FIG. 11 is a partial top perspective view of the portion of the table ofFIG. 10 engaged by the holding device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, a preferred embodiment of a holding devicesuitable for practicing the present invention is generally designated100. The holding device 100 has a base 1 that connects to an arm 9. Itis contemplated that the base 1 and the arm 9 can be formed of variousmaterials including, but not limited to, plastics and metals. The base 1has an anti-slip part 2 (FIG. 4) that is configured to snugly fitgenerally within the base and has a portion for engaging a surface, suchas a table top. More particularly, the anti-slip part 2 is designed toprevent relative movement between the base 1 and a surface contacted bythe anti-slip part. The base 1 is sized to fit within a conventionalpurse, and further includes a boss 3 that has a first end 3A attached tothe base and another end 3B configured for receiving the arm 9.

The arm 9 preferably includes a first arm member 4 that has a first end4A that is frictionally inserted into and configured for attaching tothe boss 3 and another end 4B that is frictionally inserted into andconfigured for attaching to a connector 5. Preferably, the first armmember 4 has a hook-like shape to extend vertically downward when theanti-slip part 2 is engaged with a surface. A second arm member 6 has afirst end 6A that is frictionally inserted into and configured forattaching to the connector 5 and another end 6B connected to an end cap7. Preferably, the second arm element 6 is also formed in a hook-likeshape so that a strap of a purse or the like can be hung from the secondarm member. The end cap 7 is preferably positioned on the end 6B of thesecond member 6 and has a larger diameter than the end 6B to furtherprevent a strap of a purse or other object from accidentally disengagingfrom the second arm member.

An advantage of the present invention is that when a fashion accessoryis hung from the second arm member 6, it is positioned in an unobtrusivelocation beneath the table, counter or the like so that is unlikely tobe damaged by individuals spilling beverages or the like while using thetable. Additionally, storing the fashion accessory under the tableenhances the elegance of dining because the fashion accessory is out ofview and not cluttering the table.

As best seen in FIGS. 4, 9, 10 and 11 the anti-slip part 2 is configuredto be seated within the base 1 such that a portion of the anti-slip partextends beyond a lower edge 102 of the base 1. In this manner, theanti-slip part 2 can engage a surface 8 of a table or the like and willremain engaged with the surface 8 when a fashion accessory 10 is securedto the second arm 6. Moreover, it is contemplated that any number ofmaterials can be used to form the anti-slip part 2. By way of example,the anti-slip part 2 can be formed of rubber.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-9, the first arm member 4 is preferablyrotatable with respect to the base 1. More specifically, the firstmember 4 can be formed to have a frictional fit at the end 4A whensecured to the boss 3 and yet still be rotatable with respect to theboss. Furthermore, the connector 5 is also preferably configured toallow for relative rotation between the first arm member 4 and thesecond arm member 6. Preferably, the rotation is not “free” and therotated parts are able to hold their position after movement. In thismanner, the first and second arm members, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, can berotated throughout a 360° circular range relative to the base 1 and eachother. Advantageously, a user is able to select a desired angularposition of the first and second arm members 4 and 6 to most efficientlyposition the arm 9 beneath a table. Moreover, the base 1 can be designedto minimize table space, which results in more elegant storageconfiguration for fashion accessories.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the holding device 100 is designed for thetemporary safekeeping of fashion accessories for personal use. Theholding device is practical and versatile, and may be easily adapted toengage a variety of different types of tables or other furniture. Inaddition, the holding device is preferably made of metallic materialwith good structural mechanical properties to minimize cost and size ofthe device. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the first arm 4 and thesecond arm 6 can be constructed of any semi-flexible material that has asufficient rigidity to withstand the weight of a fashion accessory sothat a user can manipulate the second arm to the most efficient positionfor securing a purse or the like.

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the holding device 100 isremoved from a storage location, such as a purse, and assembled.However, it is contemplated that any of the connections between the boss3, the first arm 4, the connector 5, and the second arm 6 can bepermanently connected. The second arm member 6 is aligned in a generallyperpendicular position with respect to the surface 8 of the table andattached to the support base 1 via the connector 5 and first arm member4. The anti-slip part 2 of the base 1 is engaged with the top surface 8of a table 12 in such a manner that the base is sufficiently positionedaway from a side of the table to provide stability while having thesecond member 6 positioned generally under the table. Such positioningprovides secure, safe, efficient, and elegant storage of the fashionaccessory.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown anddescribed, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thechanges and modifications may be made thereto without departing from theinvention and its broader aspects as is set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A holding device engageable with a surface of a table or the like forsecuring fashion accessories, comprising: a base; an anti-slip memberattached to said base and configured for engaging the surface; and anarm rotatable with respect to said base and having a hook-shapedportion.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said arm comprises a firstmember rotatably connected to said base; and a second member rotatablyconnected to said first member.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein aconnecter rotatably connects said first member to said second member. 4.The device of claim 2 wherein said base includes a boss formed in acylindrical shape to frictionally receive said first member.
 5. Thedevice of claim 3 further comprising an end cap, and wherein said secondmember has a first end configured for engaging said connector andanother end configured for engaging said end cap.
 6. The device of claim2 wherein said first member and said second member are rigid members. 7.The device of claim 2 wherein said second member is generallyhook-shaped.